The Living, Dining and Guest Room of the original bungalow are facing West, which is the hottest part of the façade.
A new 1-storey pavilion with ‘Hydroponic Wall’ is introduced for new spaces and to screen the western sun from the existing Living and Dining.In creating this pavilion, a Central Courtyard was formed between the new and old to redefine the entrance sequence and as well to refine the character of existing spaces.
Spaces surrounding the courtyards are allowed to spread into it physically and visually by the permeable openings on multiple sides.This creates an ‘Integrated Space’, which has dual functionality, where each occupant can change the combined space settings and be used for other purposes.An example of this would be the Breakfast Terrace utilised in a social setting in conjunction with the Outdoor Garden, or as an expansion to the Dining Area and Gym.
The new 22m long and 4m high ‘Hydroponics Wall’ acts as a buffer between the house and the external.It reduces the solar heat gain from the sun.
The Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) is only 35 m²k, which is 30% lower than the national benchmark.
It increases the landscape area by an additional 88m², which reduces the heat island effect.
The mist from the irrigation system also increases the relative humidity, hence reducing the microclimate.
The following passive design strategies were employed:
1. Window-to-Wall (WWR) ratio of only 18% to minimise solar heat gain through the glazing area.
2. Double walls are introduced on the 1st Floor of the Western Façade to minimise solar heat gain through the wall.
3. The Roof is insulated with a U-value of 0.26 and 0.42 m²k/W for light and heavyweight roofs respectively, which is 30-35% lower than the national benchmark.
4 Ample natural daylighting is achieved from the central courtyard and 2 linear skylights. In overall spaces, the daylight factor achieved is more than 2%, which is double the minimum threshold.
5. Full height permeable openings at the courtyards induce cross and stack ventilation.
6. A volume of 45m³ Harvested Rainwater serves as the irrigation for the landscape. It reduces potable water consumption by 50%.
7. A galvanised water tank is designed to absorb solar heat from the sun. The pre-heated water will reduce the energy required to heat the water for showering.
8. Material – most of the building materials have been sourced locally to reduce their Carbon Footprint for transportation. Several materials are selected for their sustainable features such as cork flooring, FSC-certified timber floorings, and low-VOC paints, adhesives and sealants. All furniture fit-outs are formaldehyde-free.
9. Sanitary – Water-efficient sanitary wares and fittings are selected to reduce potable water consumption by 45%
